A drone strike attributed to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed at least 41 people at a displacement camp in the country’s Blue Nile region near the Ethiopian border, according to the human rights group Emergency Lawyers.
The attack reportedly occurred on Friday, October 9, 2026, in the Abu Shandi area of Blue Nile State, where civilians had gathered after fleeing violence elsewhere in Sudan. Among those killed were eight children and numerous women, while dozens of others were reportedly injured.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about civilian protection as Sudan’s ongoing conflict continues to expose displaced families to deadly violence and worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis.
Displacement Camp Targeted in Blue Nile Region
Emergency Lawyers, a Sudanese rights group monitoring violations during the conflict, said the drone strike hit a gathering of displaced people in the Abu Shandi area near the Ethiopian border.
The group condemned the attack and called for an independent investigation, arguing that attacks on civilian shelters and other non-military locations raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law.
The RSF was blamed for the strike, although the paramilitary group had not publicly responded to the allegations in the initial reports.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it was appalled by reports of the attack. Initial information indicated that women and children accounted for a significant proportion of the casualties.
UN officials also warned that the affected area had experienced repeated attacks in recent weeks, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes and leaving others at risk of further violence.
Sudan’s War Continues to Claim Civilian Lives
Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF following a power struggle between the rival military factions.
The conflict began in the capital, Khartoum, before spreading across the country, including Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile State.
Both sides have been accused of carrying out attacks that endanger civilians. The increasing use of drones has added another threat, particularly in areas where displaced people seek shelter from fighting.
The latest attack highlights the vulnerability of civilians who have already lost their homes and livelihoods. For many families, displacement camps offer limited protection against aerial attacks and other forms of violence.
Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called on the warring parties to protect civilians, allow aid deliveries and respect international humanitarian law.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Across Sudan
The war has triggered one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies, with millions of people displaced and large numbers facing hunger, disease and limited access to healthcare.
According to figures cited by the Associated Press, the conflict has killed at least 59,000 people, although aid organizations warn that the actual death toll may be higher. More than 12.4 million people have been forced to flee their homes.
The United Nations estimates that approximately 33.7 million people in Sudan, including 17.3 million children, need humanitarian assistance. An estimated 825,000 children are also facing severe acute malnutrition.
The continuing violence has made it increasingly difficult for aid organizations to reach vulnerable communities. Insecurity, damaged infrastructure and repeated displacement have complicated efforts to deliver food, medical supplies and emergency assistance.
UN Calls for Accountability and Civilian Protection
The United Nations has condemned the reported attack and stressed the importance of holding those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law accountable.
Humanitarian officials have urged all parties to the conflict to distinguish between civilians and combatants and to take necessary precautions to prevent further loss of civilian life.
The latest deaths near the Ethiopian border underscore the urgent need for stronger civilian protection measures and sustained international efforts to address Sudan’s crisis.
As fighting continues, displaced families remain at risk of further attacks, while humanitarian organizations warn that the needs of millions of Sudanese people are growing faster than available assistance.
Swifteradio.com
